Get up, Stand up, Stand up for Human Rights!

From Kapahaka to Hip-Hop -
Get up, Stand up
Stand up for Human Rights!

Organisers are expecting record turn out for Human Rights Day next Wednesday 10th December. The Celebrations in Aotea Square, from 11.30 to 2.30, will bring together diverse strands of the Auckland community from South Auckland Hip Hop group "No Artificial Flavours" to Deputy Leader of the Progressive Party Matt Robson MP.

Speakers on the day, such as Oxfam's Barry Coates will be affirming that "Human Rights Start with us" and supporting them will be a wealth of talented young performers from all over Auckland and the world!

Kicking off the day in true Aotearoa style are the magnificent Kapahaka group from Papatoetoe Intermediate led by Margie LeGrice. The group recently performed to a rapturous response at Courage Day supporting imprisoned writers around the world and they are again lending their teamwork, dedication and enthusiasm to another excellent cause.

Also appearing is the Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua, otherwise known as the Rev MC, Presbyterian hip-hop minister and father of Nesian Mystik's Feleti 'Sabre' Strickson-Pua. The Rev MC and his nephew JP will be proving that musical talent runs in the family by singing the song "Thank you" and exploring the theme of human rights day as a celebration of being human from a Pasifika perspective.

To warm up the main speakers just before 1pm Aotearoa guitar legend Billy TK will be singing the classic Bob Marley song "Get up, Stand Up - Stand up for your rights" which Amnesty International have adopted as their theme song and following on from this Margaret Taylor from Amnesty will be calling on the public to get up and stand up for the human rights of Algerian politician Ahmed Zaoui still imprisoned without trial in Mount Eden Prison. Supporting the call will be two exciting multicultural dance acts: The Baha'i Youth Dance Troupe, Soul Fusion will be joined on stage by the Samoan Fafa and Peace Choir and the Viva Eclectica Dance Group will be doing their bit for world peace and harmony by combining Burmese, Indian and Cook Island dance into their own unique fusion dance style.

The public will have a chance to get involved in the creative action too! Students on school and college holidays are invited to come and express their own artistic visions for global human rights on pennants and banners that will be displayed around the square or to bring a pre-prepared poster to enter into the competition. Organisers will be choosing their favourite designs to become the symbol for Human Rights Day 2004.

To round up the event Fraser Bruce and the African Drumming Circle will be asking the public to join them in creating some infectious African rhythms on their huge array of hand made drums.

On December 10th everyone is invited to come and exercise their human rights under Article 27 of the Universal Declaration which states "Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community…" In New Zealand where so many are able to take these human rights for granted Aucklanders will be celebrating and making time to consider those who can't.

* For more info / to arrange interviews / for info about performers
call Event Co-ordinator Laurie Ross on 09 811 8696 or email laurie-ross@xtra.co.nz
or Jo Clayton, press liaison on 09 630 7850/ 0212 157198 email joclayton@bigfoot.com

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